meet our team
Brian Skirvin, DNP, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
Languages spoken:
English
Q&A with Brian
What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?
My favorite animated movie is The Lion King.
What is your favorite children's book and why?
My favorite book is "The Giving Tree". I enjoy the message of selfless love; such as the love parents have for a child.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
My favorite toy as a child was the game "Operation"
Who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration has been my parents.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Spending time with my family. Reading, swimming and vacationing
What inspired you to work in pediatrics?
What inspired me to go into pediatrics is the unique opportunity to positively impact a child’s growth and development from birth through their teenage years. I am passionate about providing top-notch assessments and education to ensure every child reaches their full potential. Additionally, I find great fulfillment in working closely with new parents, offering guidance and support to help them nurture and care for their children in the best possible way. Being a part of this journey—witnessing a child’s milestones and empowering families—is what truly motivates me to pursue a career in pediatrics.
What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?
As a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, my focus is on providing compassionate, patient-centered care to children, especially those with special healthcare needs, such as ADHD and Autism. What sets me apart from other providers is my unwavering commitment to truly listening to both my patients and their families. I believe that active listening fosters trust, builds rapport, and most importantly, ensures that the child’s voice and the family’s concerns are heard and validated. This approach not only helps in building meaningful relationships but also in addressing the unique challenges that families face in navigating their child’s healthcare journey.
Specializing in ADHD and Autism has been a personal passion of mine, and I am deeply committed to supporting children and their families in overcoming obstacles to receive the right care and resources. I work collaboratively with families to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of the child. I excel at connecting families with the appropriate referrals and services, ensuring they receive holistic support at every stage of their child's healthcare needs.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a healthcare experience where children feel safe, understood, and respected, and where families know they have a trusted advocate in their child’s healthcare journey. Through listening, collaboration, and compassionate care, I strive to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the families I serve.
How do you accommodate patients with special needs?
I prioritize creating an inclusive, supportive environment for children with special healthcare needs, including those with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disorders. I understand that each child is unique, and my approach is tailored to their individual needs and the specific challenges they face.
I work closely with families to refer to the agencies and schools where they can develop care plans that are tailored to each child’s specific medical, developmental, and emotional needs. This includes considering any sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, and behavioral strategies that may be required to provide the most effective care. I create a calm, sensory-friendly space where children can feel more comfortable and at ease.
I adjust my communication style to suit each child's developmental level. For children with Autism or ADHD, I may use visual aids, simple language, or shorter instructions to ensure they understand and feel comfortable with the care process. I also work to help families understand how to communicate effectively with their child to support their ongoing needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Regis College, Weston (2007 - 2011)
Nursing School (Master):
Simmons University, Boston University, Boston (2000 - 2002)
Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive several awards and recognitions that reflect my commitment to excellence in both clinical practice and healthcare education:
• Faculty of the Year (2024–2025) – Indian River State College
This award recognized my dedication to student success, innovation in teaching, and commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
• Clinical Excellence Award 2025– Pediatric Associates
I was honored to receive this recognition for consistently delivering high-quality, compassionate care to pediatric patients and their families, as well as demonstrating leadership in clinical settings.
• Endowed Teaching Chair in Health Care Simulation (2023–2026) -Indian River State College
This prestigious three-year appointment was awarded for my contributions to advancing healthcare simulation education. Through this role, I have helped integrate realistic, hands-on simulation experiences into nursing curricula, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical practice.
I am proud to be an active member of several esteemed professional organizations that help me stay connected to the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare and nursing practice.
• Sigma Theta Tau International
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
• Chairperson: Port St. Lucie School-Based Health Council (SHAC)